Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK)

Global Compact Network Kenya highlighted Kenya's commitment to Responsible Business Conduct (#RBC) during the Dutch-Kenyan Business Forum, hosted in Nairobi as part of the State Visit to Kenya by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. This State Visit marked a pivotal moment in Kenya-Netherlands relations, with a strong emphasis on strengthening trade and investment ties. The trade mission focused on sustainable agriculture and water, two priority areas for Kenya-Dutch government. The Dutch-Kenyan Business Forum brought together Dutch businesses, Kenyan private sector players, government agencies, and other stakeholders for an engaging discussion on innovation, sustainable agriculture, social impact, and the vital role of responsible business conduct in Kenya’s economic growth. Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK) led a session themed “Strengthening Responsible Business Conduct in Kenya’s Economy,” with Executive Director Judy Njino reaffirming GCNK’s commitment to advancing responsible business conduct in alignment with global goals. She highlighted the importance of private sector leadership in driving ethical, transparent, and inclusive growth. She noted that Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK) is working with companies to embed responsible business practices into their operations, guided by the UN Global Compact's Ten Principles. Through peer learning, capacity-building, and targeted engagement, she emphasized that the organization supports businesses in going beyond compliance and integrating sustainability and human rights into their core strategies. During a fireside chat moderated by Stephen Kimenye, Program Manager at Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK), Kakuzi Plc’s Head of Legal, Gender, and Human Rights, Janet Kabaya, shared insights into Kakuzi’s transformative journey toward Responsible Business Conduct, providing practical lessons for companies operating in high-risk sectors. Janet Kabaya emphasized that embedding #RBC principles through Kakuzi Plc’s operational grievance mechanism Program, #Sikika, has been instrumental in restoring trust among stakeholders, including local communities, workers, investors, and regulators, thereby strengthening its social license to operate. She further underscored the critical role of business leaders in championing responsible business practices, stressing that the private sector can and should lead the way in advancing ethical standards and inclusive development. Lorraine Kithinji CHRP Miriam Wanjiru Mogotu Geoffrey Korir Amarins Gerlofsma Chris Flowers Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Kenya United Nations Global Compact #ResponsibleBusinessConduct #RBC #Sustainability #SDGs #GCNK

Business leaders have been urged to integrate the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their business strategies. The call was made during a CEO roundtable hosted by UN Global Compact in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme “Integrating ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) Standards in Business Strategy: A Pathway to Sustainable Growth and Corporate Accountability.” The event brought together CEOs, UN officials, and representatives from various institutions to discuss how businesses can drive corporate responsibility while promoting gender equality in Rwanda and Africa at large. Speaking at the forum, Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK) Board Chairperson, Martin Ochien'g emphasized the need for deliberate action in achieving gender equality within companies. He advised firms to actively integrate gender equality into their operations rather than attributing disparities to a lack of skilled women in the workforce. He further implored on companies to sets clear objectives commit time and action to close the gender gap. Present at the roundtable were distinguished leaders, including UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda Ozonnia Ojielo, UN Global Compact, Rwanda’s Country Manager Marie Claire DUSHIMUMUKIZA UN Global Compact Africa Regional Head Hervé Lado, PhD, and CEOs from the private sector in Rwanda among other dignitaries. #Sustainability #SDGs #TenPrinciples #GCNK SASINI PLC

Last week, we marked a decade of impact by celebrating the 10th Ring the Bell for Gender Equality Ceremony in Kenya. This initiative reaffirmed the pivotal role of businesses in breaking systemic barriers and advancing women’s empowerment. As we rang the bell alongside our partners, leaders were reminded that closing the gender gap could boost Africa’s GDP by up to 50% and that 150 years is far too long to wait for gender equality. The time to act is now! Watch the highlights from the event here 👇 Nairobi Securities Exchange PLC IFC - International Finance Corporation UN Women United Nations Global Compact #Gender #GenderEquality #SDG #SDG5 #Sustainability #IWD #IWD2025 #GCNK #RingTheBellForGenderEquality

Private sector engagement is fundamental in the fight against #ChildLabour.   As the Target 8.7 deadline to end child labour by 2025 approaches, businesses increasingly recognise the importance of responsible practices, driven by legislative pressure and demand from investors and consumers. Our latest article Ending Child Labour in 2025: Where do we Stand? co-authored with Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK), provides key insights into how collaboration across sectors can drive progress towards Target 8.7, while providing opportunities to businesses. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4kuNR3N #HumanRights #SocialSustainability #SDG8 #EndChildLabour  

Global Compact Network Kenya has been honored for its unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering human rights at the recently concluded 7th National Diversity and Inclusion Awards & Recognition (DIAR) Gala Night, held in Nairobi last week. We proudly emerged as 1st Runners-Up in two distinguished categories: ☑️ NGO Promoting Gender Equality ☑️ Human Rights Champion Award This year’s DIAR Awards, themed “Awarding Investors in People, Planet Guardians, and Champions of Prosperity for Posterity,” celebrated organizations dedicated to championing diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) in the workplace and society. For Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK), this recognition is a powerful affirmation of our mission to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering accountable businesses and enabling ecosystems that drive meaningful change. Through our initiatives, we are mobilizing corporate action on gender equality, championing human rights protections and influencing policies that shape a just and inclusive society. With a growing network of nearly 300 signatories, we continue to drive transformative impact across Kenya and Uganda. #DiarAwards #Gender #HumanRights #SDGs #Sustainability Daima Trust

On this International Women's Day, we are reminded that gender equality drives business success and economic growth. When women are empowered and included, economies grow, communities thrive, and businesses flourish. Yet, gender gaps persist across leadership roles and pay structures, particularly in emerging markets. Companies must take bold steps to close these gaps and drive meaningful progress. The time for action is now. Read the Moving Business Forward Faster Latest Trends and Insights Report here- https://lnkd.in/d-5isJFe #IWD #IWD2025 #GenderEquality #SDG5 #SDGs #GCNK

Emergency Plus Medical Services Managing Director Susan Ng’ong’a publicly signing the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) during the Ring The Bell for Gender Equality Ceremony. Guided by the #WEPs, the company is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation and sustainable growth. #RingTheBellForGenderEquality #IWD #IWD2025 #GCNK #WEPs

Agriflex Ltd Co-Founder and CEO Millicent Okumu signing the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) during the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality Ceremony. Agriflex recognizes that empowering women is not just the right thing to do—it’s a powerful driver of innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. #RingTheBellForGenderEquality #IWD #IWD2025 #GCNK #WEPs

Britam Group MD and CEO, Tom Gitogo, committing to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) during the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony. He stated that Britam is taking bold steps to break barriers, nurture talent and champion women’s leadership at all levels. #RingTheBellForGenderEquality #IWD #IWD2025 #GCNK

"With more than one billion people living in Africa, the continent represents a vast opportunity for the Private Sector to Grow inclusive and resilient economies ensuring no one is left behind. Findings from United Nations Global Compact report "Corporate Africa: Advancing Gender Equality", underscore the urgency of the work we need to do as a continent. The report highlights a troubling stagnation in closing the economic gender gap. Despite women making significant contributions to Africa’s economy, they remain economically disadvantaged."- Judy Njino, Executive Director Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK) #RingTheBellForGenderEquality #IWD #IWD2025 #GCNK